Bengaluru’s new express bus services have swiftly become a preferred mode of transport for thousands of commuters left waiting by the long-delayed Yellow Line of the Namma Metro. Operated by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the non-air-conditioned, limited-stop buses recorded nearly 3.72 lakh passengers and ₹1.09 crore in revenue within a month of their launch.
Introduced on 21 June, these express services were designed to plug critical connectivity gaps in areas like Attibele, Bommasandra, Electronics City and Central Silk Board — key corridors originally meant to be served by the yet-to-be-operational Yellow Line. The express buses operate on five key routes from Kempegowda bus stand and Banashankari TTMC to Attibele, Harohalli, Devanahalli, and Nelamangala. They currently run 348 trips daily, with intervals of 20 to 30 minutes. BMTC data indicates robust performance across all routes. The Kempegowda–Devanahalli route transported 73,754 passengers, earning ₹25.41 lakh, while the Kempegowda–Attibele route saw 78,018 passengers and revenue of ₹22.08 lakh. The highest earnings per kilometre came from this route, at ₹57.06.
Transport officials say the response validates the growing demand for sustainable and time-efficient public transport alternatives. “These routes not only serve critical urban fringes but offer a reliable and faster commute for thousands who otherwise face long and multiple transfers,” said a senior BMTC official. The services are seen as a critical interim solution amid continued delays in the Yellow Line’s commissioning. With commuters facing uncertainty around metro timelines, these buses are providing much-needed relief, especially for office workers and students who rely on punctual public transport.
BMTC has also introduced a digital monthly pass priced at ₹1,500, excluding toll charges, to make these services more affordable. Officials indicated the services will continue to evolve based on ridership trends and demand feedback. Until the Yellow Line becomes operational, these express services are poised to play a vital role in bridging the public mobility gap in southern Bengaluru.
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